LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

Review of the Electoral Arrangements of the County Borough of Conwy

Final Recommendations Report

May 2019

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FOREWORD

The Commission is pleased to present this Report to the Minister for Housing and Local Government, which contains its recommendations for revised electoral arrangements for the County Borough of Conwy. This review is part of the programme of reviews being conducted under the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013, and follows the principles contained in the Commission’s Policy and Practice document. The issue of fairness is at the heart of the Commission’s statutory responsibilities. The Commission’s objective has been to make recommendations that provide for effective and convenient local government, and which respect, as far as possible, local community ties. The recommendations are aimed at improving electoral parity, so that the vote of an individual elector has as equal a value to those of other electors throughout the County, so far as it is possible to achieve. The Commission is grateful to the Members and Officers of Conwy County Borough Council for their assistance in its work, to the community and town councils for their valuable contributions, and to all who have made representations throughout the process. Owen Watkin OBE DL Chair

LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES REVIEW OF THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS OF THE COUNTY BOROUGH OF CONWY FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT Contents Page Chapter 1 Introduction 1 Chapter 2 Summary of Draft Proposals 2 Chapter 3 Summary of Final Recommendations 3 Chapter 4 Assessment 7 Chapter 5 The Final Recommendations 9 Chapter 6 Summary of Recommended Arrangements 43 Chapter 7 Consequential Arrangements 44 Chapter 8 Responses to this Report 45 Chapter 9 Acknowledgements 46

APPENDIX 1 GLOSSARY OF TERMS APPENDIX 2 EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP APPENDIX 3 RECOMMENDED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP APPENDIX 4 RULES AND PROCEDURES APPENDIX 5 SUMMARY OF DRAFT REPRESENTATIONS APPENDIX 6 CABINET SECRETARY FOR FINANCE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT 23 JUNE 2016 - WRITTEN STATEMENT

1st Edition printed May 2019

The Commission welcomes correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Mae’r ddogfen ar hon ar gael yn y Gymraeg.

The translation of this report was provided by Trosol.

The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales Hastings House Fitzalan Court CARDIFF CF24 0BL

Tel Number: (029) 2046 4819 Fax Number: (029) 2046 4823

E-mail: [email protected] www.ldbc.gov.wales LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES

Julie James, AM Minister for Housing and Local Government Welsh Government Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION 1. The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales (the Commission) has conducted a review of the electoral arrangements of the County Borough of Conwy. This review was conducted in accordance with the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (the Act), specifically Sections 29, 30 and 34-36. 2. Pursuant to the Act, the Commission has completed the review of the electoral arrangements for the County Borough of Conwy and presents its final recommendations for future electoral arrangements. 3. This programme of reviews has come as a result of the former Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government’s Written Statement of 23 June 2016, where the Commission was asked to restart its programme of reviews, with an expectation that all 22 electoral reviews be completed in time for the new arrangements to be put in place for the 2022 local government elections. The Written Statement can be found at Appendix 6. 4. The rules and procedures the Commission follows can be found in the Commission’s Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice [2016] and outlined in Appendix 4. A Glossary of Terms can be found at Appendix 1, providing a short description of some of the common terminology used within this report. 5. Section 35 of the Act lays down the procedural guidelines which are to be followed in carrying out a review. In compliance with Section 35 the Commission wrote to Conwy County Borough Council, all the community and town councils in the area, the mandatory consultees and other interested parties on 25 May 2017 to inform them of our intention to conduct the review and request their preliminary views. This consultation ran from 2 June 2017 to 24 August 2017. The Commission also made copies of its Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice [2016] document available. 6. The Commission published its Draft Proposals Report on 28 March 2018 and requested views on the proposals. This consultation ran from 3 April 2018 to 25 June 2018. 7. The Commission publicised the review on its website and social media channels and asked Conwy County Borough Council to publicise the review and provided the Council with a number of public notices to display. These were also provided to the community and town councils in the area. In addition, the Commission made a presentation to county, and town and community councillors to explain the review process and the Commission’s policies. The County Borough Council was invited to submit a suggested scheme for new electoral arrangements.

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Chapter 2. THE SUMMARY OF THE DRAFT PROPOSALS 1. Prior to the formulation of the draft proposals, the Commission received representations from Conwy County Borough Council, seven town and community councils and one County Borough Councillor. 2. Conwy County Borough Council outlined their concerns with the Commission’s approach to the review (which can be seen in full in the Commission’s Draft Proposals Report, March 2018). They expressed concerns about the Commission’s Council Size Policy and the category they are placed in. 3. The Council Size Policy that is being applied in this review uses the latest published data which determines that Conwy is placed in category three. The policy was set by the Commission at the start of its programme of reviews and it is appropriate that the same policy be applied across all reviews within the programme. 4. These representations were taken into consideration and summarised in the Draft Proposals Report published on 28 March 2018, informing the listed mandatory consultees and other interested parties of a period of consultation on the draft proposals which commenced on 3 April 2018 and ended on 25 June 2018. The Commission asked Conwy County Borough Council to display copies of the report alongside public notices in the area. The Commission’s draft proposals proposed a change to the arrangement of electoral wards that would have achieved a marked improvement in the level of electoral parity across the County Borough of Conwy. 5. The Commission proposed a council of 54 members. This resulted in a proposed county average of 1,655 electors per member. The Commission proposed 30 electoral wards, a reduction from 38 existing electoral wards. 6. The largest under-representation (in terms of electoral variance) was proposed to be in Llandrillo yn Rhos (21% above the proposed county average). At present the greatest under- representation is in Pensarn (30% above the proposed county average). 7. The largest over-representation (in terms of electoral variance) was proposed to be in Uwch Conwy (24% below the proposed county average). At present the greatest over- representation is in Gower (48% below the proposed county average). 8. The Commission proposed 18 multi-member wards in the County Borough consisting of 12 two-member electoral wards and six three-member electoral ward. 9. The Commission proposed no changes to 19 electoral wards. 10. The Commission proposed to have no split communities across the County Borough.

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Chapter 3. SUMMARY OF FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS • The Commission received representations from Conwy County Borough Council, nine Community and town councils, one Assembly Member, three County Borough Councillors, and two members of the public in response to the Draft Proposals. The Commission considered all of these representations carefully before it formulated its recommendations. A summary of those representations can be found at Appendix 5. • The Commission recommends a change to the arrangement of electoral wards that will achieve a marked improvement in the level of electoral parity across the County Borough of Conwy. • The Commission’s final recommendation is a council of 55 members, a reduction from the present 59 members. This results in a recommended county average of 1,625 electors per member. • The Commission recommends 30 electoral wards, a reduction from 38 existing wards. • The largest under-representation (in terms of variance from the recommended county average) is recommended to be 20% above the recommended county average (Caerhun). At present the greatest variance is 32% above the recommended county average (Pensarn). • The largest over-representation (in terms of variance from the recommended county average) is recommended to be 22% below the recommended county average (Uwch Conwy). At present the greatest variance is 47% below the recommended county average (Gower). • The Commission recommends 17 multi-member wards in the County Borough consisting of ten two-member electoral wards; six three-member electoral wards; and one four-member electoral ward. • The Commission recommends no change to 18 electoral wards. • The Commission recommends to have no split communities across the county borough. • The Commission recommends making a boundary change between the Communities of Rhos- on-Sea and Colwyn Bay. The Commission has recommended no consequential changes to the Bay of Colwyn Community Council which consists of the three communities of Colwyn Bay, Old Colwyn and Rhos-on-Sea.

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Summary Maps 1. On the following pages are thematic maps illustrating the existing and recommended arrangements and their variances from the recommended county average. Those areas in green are within ±10% of the county average; yellow and hatched yellow between ±10% and ± 25% of the county average; and orange and hatched orange between ±25% and ±50% of the county average. 2. As can be seen from these maps, the new arrangements provide for a marked improvement in electoral parity across the county.

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Chapter 4. ASSESSMENT Council size 1. The council size for the County Borough of Conwy has been determined by our council size policy and methodology. This policy can be found in our Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice [2016] document. The methodology sets out a council size of 46 for the County Borough of Conwy. At present the size of the council at 59 members is 13 members above the methodology aim, and six above the aim for this review of 53. 2. The Commission reviewed the electoral arrangements for the County Borough of Conwy in light of its methodology and took account of the representations which had been made. For the reasons given below we believe that in the interests of effective and convenient local government a council of 55 members would be appropriate to represent the County Borough of Conwy. Number of electors 3. The numbers shown as the electorate for 2017 and the estimates for the electorate in the year 2022 are those submitted by Conwy County Borough Council. These forecasted figures have been revised by Conwy County Borough Council from the forecasted figures published at the start of the review. The revised forecast figures supplied by Conwy County Borough Council show a forecasted increase in the electorate of Conwy from 89,359 to 93,641.

4. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has also provided their estimated number of persons eligible to vote but who are not on the electoral register. This showed an estimated 25,582 more people eligible to vote than the 2017 electorate. 5. The Commission is aware that there are Welsh Government proposals to legislate to extend the franchise to include 16 and 17 year olds and foreign nationals, not currently eligible to vote, at the 2022 local government elections. The Commission‘s Council Size Policy utilises the entire population to determine council size and these two groups were included in the Council Size deliberations. 6. While 16 and 17 year olds are not in the existing electoral figures provided by Conwy County Borough Council, they will have been included in the forecasted figures provided by the Council. Consideration of these figures has been included in the Commission’s deliberations on its recommendations. 7. Foreign nationals are included in the census data provided by the ONS. Consideration of this data has been included as part of the Commission’s deliberations on its recommendations. Councillor to electorate ratio 8. In respect of the number of electors per councillor in each electoral ward, there is a wide variation from the current county average of 1,515 electors per councillor ranging from 43% below (867 electors) to 42% above (2,149 electors). The determination of the council size above results in an average of 1,625 electors being represented by each councillor. 9. In its deliberations the Commission considered the ratio of local government electors to the number of councillors to be elected, with a view to proposing changes to ensure that the number of local government electors shall be, as near as may be, the same in every ward in

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the principal area. The Commission considered the size and character of the council and a wide range of other factors including local topography, road communications, and local ties. Judgement and Balance 10. In producing a scheme of electoral arrangements, the Commission must have regard to a number of issues contained in the legislation. It is not always possible to resolve all of these, sometimes conflicting issues. The Commission’s recommended scheme has placed emphasis on achieving improvements in electoral parity whilst maintaining community ties wherever possible. The Commission has made every effort to ensure that the revised electoral wards, in the Commission’s view, are an appropriate combination of existing communities and community wards. 11. The Commission has looked at each area and is satisfied that it would be difficult to achieve electoral arrangements that keep the existing combination of communities and community wards, without having a detrimental effect on one or more of the other issues that we must consider. Electoral Ward Names 12. In the creation of these final recommendations the Commission has considered the names of all the electoral wards proposed in Welsh and English, where appropriate. For these final recommendations the Commission has considered names of either electoral wards or communities that appear in Orders, where they exist; those recommended by the Welsh Language Commissioner; and, in the representations it has received. 13. The Commission consulted with the Welsh Language Commissioner on the suitability of the names in their draft form prior to the publication of these final recommendations, with a particular focus on the Welsh language names. This recognises the Welsh Language Commissioner’s responsibility to advise on the standard forms of Welsh place-names and specialist knowledge in the field. It must be clear that these recommendations are not proposals for changes to any place names. At each recommendation an indication is given of the Welsh Language Commissioner’s recommended alternative and, where they differ, the specific recommendation and why they proposed an alternative to the Commission’s recommended name. Community and Town Council Arrangements 14. The Commission received a number of representations during the draft proposals consultation period which included a misunderstanding as to the scope of the review. The Commission therefore wishes to highlight that this review of electoral arrangements is seeking to make improvements to electoral representation within Conwy County Borough Council. This process, except where specifically described in Chapter 7, is independent from any changes to arrangements concerning community or town councils. Where combinations of communities are used to create single electoral wards, the individual communities in question will retain their existing community council arrangement. These councils will remain independent following the outcome of this review, any precepts generated or assets contained within a community council, will remain part of that community council. 15. Changes to community arrangements are dealt with under a separate part of the legislation, as part of a community review led by the Conwy County Borough Council.

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Chapter 5. THE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS 1. The Commission’s recommendations are described in detail in this chapter. For each new proposal the report sets out: • The name(s) of the existing electoral wards which wholly or in part constitute the proposed ward; • A brief description of the existing electoral wards in terms of the number of electors now and projected, and their percentage variance from the proposed county average; • Key arguments made during the draft consultation (if any). Although not all representations are mentioned in this section, all representations have been considered and a summary can be found at Appendix 5; • The views of the Commission; • The composition of the recommended electoral ward and the recommended name; • A map of the recommended electoral ward (please see key at page 10).

Retained Electoral Wards 2. The Commission has considered the electoral arrangements of the existing electoral wards and the ratio of local government electors to the number of councillors to be elected. It is recommended that the existing arrangements should be retained within the following electoral wards. Names displayed in bold within the list below denote the electoral wards where the existing geography and electoral ward names have been prescribed within Orders, and which the Commission is recommending to retain.

• Betws yn Rhos • Llansanffraid • Bryn • Llansannan • Colwyn • Llysfaen • Conwy • Mochdre • Craig-y-Don • Pandy • Deganwy • Penrhyn • Eirias • Towyn • Glyn • Tudno • Kinmel Bay • Uwch Conwy

3. Whilst the Commission is recommending to preserve the geographical arrangements within the electoral wards listed above, it is recommending to introduce new electoral ward names for the following (names displayed in bold throughout the remainder of this report denote the Commission’s recommended electoral ward names): i) The Commission recommends retaining the single name of Betws yn Rhos. The Welsh Language Commissioner proposed that Betws yn Rhos be renamed Betws-yn-Rhos as it is the form recommended in the Rhestr o Enwau Lleoedd/A Gazetteer of Welsh Place Names (University of Wales Press, 1967). The hyphen is used in Welsh place-names in

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order to aid pronunciation by showing that stress does not fall on the penultimate syllable. The Commission received no representations on this name. ii) Craig y Don is recommended to have the single name of Craig-y-Don. In the Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to change the English language name from Craig-y- Don to the single name of Craig y Don, as prescribed as the Welsh language name in the last electoral order, the County Borough of Conwy (Electoral Changes) Order 2009 (2009 Order). The Welsh Language Commissioner proposed that the existing Welsh language name Craig y Don and the existing English language name Craig-y-Don be renamed Craig- y-don only. This is the recognised form in the Rhestr o Enwau Lleoedd/A Gazetteer of Welsh Place Names (University of Wales Press, 1967). The name of a settlement is usually written as one word in order to distinguish between settlements and topographical features. The same form (with hyphens) should be used for both Welsh and English. It should be noted that it is not necessary to capitalise the 'don' element as it is not a personal noun. The Commission received a representation from Conwy County Borough Council proposing the name of Craig y Don and Craigside. 4. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government

Proposed Electoral Wards 5. The Commission considered changes to the remaining 20 electoral wards. Details of the current electoral arrangements can be found at Appendix 2. The Commission’s recommended arrangements can be found in Appendix 3.

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Capelulo and Pant-yr-Afon/Penmaenan 6. The existing Capelulo electoral ward is comprised of the Capelulo ward of the Town of Penmaenmawr. It has 1,165 electors (1,255 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 28% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,274 eligible electors. 7. The existing Pant-yr-Afon/Penmaenan electoral ward is composed of the Pant-yr-Afon and Penmaenan wards of the Town of Penmaenmawr. It has 2,126 electors (2,175 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 31% above the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,587 eligible electors. 8. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the wards of Capelulo, Pant-yr- Afon and Penmaenan of the Town of Penmaenmawr. 9. The Commission received five representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: Conwy County Borough Council, Janet Finch-Saunders AM (Aberconwy), Councillor A. McCaffrey (Capelulo), Councillor K. Stevens (Pant-yr-Afon/Penmaenmawr) and two members of the public. 10. Conwy County Borough Council and Councillor McCaffery stated that they wanted to revise the projected figures that they had previously provided for the existing electoral ward of Capelulo – see Appendix 5 for further detail. The Council were advised that the Commission would be utilising the revised projected figures that they provided for the entire county including Capelulo in 27 November 2017 and not the revised figures for Capelulo that they included in their representation. 11. Conwy Borough County Council, Councillor McCaffery and the two members of the public opposed the Draft Proposals stated that the existing arrangements should remain. The Council and Councillor McCaffery stated their concern that if the Draft Proposals were to be implemented then communities especially smaller ones would lose their identity when merged with larger urban wards. 12. Janet Finch-Saunders AM supported the Draft Proposal due to the strong geographical and representation argument, especially the improvement in electoral parity that the proposed electoral ward provided. Councillor Stevens stated his support for the Draft Proposal and disagreed with the Council’s objections. 13. The Commission recommends that the wards of Capelulo, Pant-yr-Afon and Penmaenan of the Town of Penmaenmawr are combined to form an electoral ward of 3,291 electors (3,430 projected electors), which, if represented by two councillors, would result in a level of representation 1% above the recommended county average. 14. The Commission considers that this proposed electoral ward respects the natural boundaries that create the Town of Penmaenmawr. The wards of Capelulo, Pant-yr-Afon and Penmaenan have similar characteristics and needs. The proposed electoral ward has a range of communication links including the A55 which should allow for effective multi-member representation. 15. The Commission notes the objection from Conwy County Borough Council and the other representations to the proposed two-member ward of Penmaenmawr and their preference that the existing arrangements remain. However, the Commission is of the view that both the

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current and projected statistics do not justify such an atypical level of variance for the whole area. 16. The Commission proposed the single name Penmaenmawr in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received four representations regarding the name from: Conwy County Borough Council, Janet Finch- Saunders AM, Councillor McCaffrey and Councillor Stevens. The Council and Councillor McCaffery suggested the name Capelulo and Penmaenmawr with Councillor McCaffery stating that the historic name of Capelulo should not be lost. Councillor Stevens reiterated his preference for the name of the proposed electoral ward to be Penmaenmawr and objected to the proposed name from the Council as it did not reflect the area as a whole. Ms Finch- Saunders AM suggested the name of Dwygyfylchi and Penmaenmawr as both are separate communities and deserve to be recognised in the name of the proposed ward. 17. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Penmaenmawr. The Commission recommends the name as it is the existing name of the town formed by the wards of Capelulo, Pant-yr-Afon and Penmaenan. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government 18. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Gogarth and Mostyn 19. The existing Gogarth electoral ward is comprised of the Gogarth ward of the Town of Llandudno. It has 2,910 electors (2,995 projected electors) represented by two councillors which is 10% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 3,526 eligible electors. 20. The existing Mostyn electoral ward is comprised of the Mostyn ward of the Town of Llandudno. It has 2,769 electors (2,821 projected electors) represented by two councillors which is 15% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 3,396 eligible electors. 21. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the wards of Gogarth and Mostyn of the Town of Llandudno to form a three-member ward. 22. The Commission received three representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: Conwy County Borough Council, Llandudno Town Council and Janet Finch- Saunders AM (Aberconwy). 23. Conwy County Borough Council and Llandudno Town Council had no objections to the Draft Proposal. 24. Janet Finch-Saunders AM highlighted her disappointment that the Draft Proposal had dismissed the initial representation made by Llandudno Town Council that emphasised their satisfaction with the existing electoral arrangements for Gogarth and Mostyn. Ms Finch- Saunders AM was opposed to the proposal due to the existing arrangements of Gogarth and Mostyn having an acceptable level of variance in comparison to other electoral wards in Conwy. She proposed that Mostyn and Gogarth should remain unchanged as separate electoral wards, each represented by two members. 25. The Commission recommend that the wards of Gogarth and Mostyn of the Town of Llandudno form an electoral ward of 5,679 electors (5,816 projected electors) which, if represented by three councillors, would result in a level of representation 17% above the recommended county average. 26. In order to improve the level of electoral variance across Conwy and meet the Commission’s Council Size Policy, a reduction in County Councillors is required. The existing Gogarth and Mostyn wards are over-represented with each area being represented by two members. Gogarth and Mostyn is an urban and compact area, with a good range of communication and social links. Whilst the Commission’s preferred position is for single-member electoral wards, it considers that multi-member wards do provide for effective means of representation in urban areas. This proposed electoral ward results in a reduction of one member, from four to three members. 27. The Commission notes the suggestion put forward in the initial representation from Llandudno Town Council and Janet Finch-Saunders AM for this area, and that the existing Gogarth and Mostyn electoral wards have an appropriate level of variance. The Commission considers the recommended single electoral ward for the entire area ensured an appropriate level of variance. 28. The Commission proposed the single name Gogarth Mostyn in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received two representations regarding the name from Conwy County Borough Council and Llandudno

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Town Council. Conwy County Borough Council suggested the Welsh language name of Gogledd Llandudno and the English language name of Llanduduno North as this was more descriptive and was a name that had been used previously. Llandudno Town Council suggested the single name Gogarth as the name Mostyn is not exculsive to the Mostyn ward and can be found in Gogarth and Tudno. 29. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Gogarth Mostyn. The Commission recommends this name as it is the names of the community wards that form the recommended electoral ward. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government 30. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Marl and Pensarn 31. The existing Marl electoral ward is comprised of the Marl ward of the Town of Conwy. It has 3,559 electors (3,675 projected electors) represented by two councillors which is 10% above the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 4,491 eligible electors. 32. The existing Pensarn electoral ward is comprised of the Pensarn ward of the Town of Conwy. It has 2,149 electors (2,364 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 32% above the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,772 eligible electors. 33. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to create a three-member ward from the Marl and Pensarn wards of the Town of Conwy. 34. The Commission received two representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from Conwy County Borough Council and Janet Finch-Saunders AM (Aberconwy). 35. Conwy County Borough Council highlighted their concerns about the size of the proposed ward. The Council stated that the large size of the ward is likely to impact on a potential candidate’s decision to stand for election. They felt that a large multi-member ward creates a disincentive for potential candidates and was contrary to the Welsh Government’s drive to increase diversity in democracy. 36. Janet Finch-Saunders AM supported the proposal as both wards were within the Town of Conwy and the resulting improvement in variance. 37. The Commission recommends combining the wards of Marl and Pensarn of the Town of Conwy to form an electoral ward of 5,708 electors (6,039 projected electors) which, if represented by three councillors, would result in a level of representation 17% above the recommended county average. 38. The existing Pensarn ward is the most under-represented electoral ward in Conwy. This area is an urban and compact area, with a good range of communication and social links. Whilst the Commission’s preferred position is for single-member electoral wards, it considers that multi-member wards do provide for effective means of representation in urban areas. 39. The Commission notes Conwy County Borough Council’s representation. However, the Commission is of the view that both the current and projected statistics do not justify such an atypical level of variance. 40. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name Cyffordd Llanduduno and the English language name Llandudno Junction in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received one representation regarding the name from Conwy County Borough Council. The Council suggested the single name of Glyn y Marl as this is considered traditional to the area. 41. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Glyn y Marl as recommended by Conwy County Borough Council. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the recommended name. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 42. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Llandrillo yn Rhos and Rhiw 43. The existing Llandrillo yn Rhos electoral ward is composed of the Dinarth and Rhos wards of the Community of Rhos-on-Sea. It has 5,996 electors (6,227 projected electors) represented by four councillors which is 8% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 7,599 eligible electors. 44. The existing Rhiw electoral ward is composed of the Glyn and Rhiw wards of the Community of Colwyn Bay. It has 4,938 electors (5,434 projected electors) represented by three councillors which is 1% above the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 6,587 eligible electors. 45. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed that the existing electoral ward of Llandrillo yn Rhos be reduced by one councillor to a three-member ward. 46. The Commission received three representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: Conwy County Borough Council, The Bay of Colwyn Community Council and Janet Finch-Saunders AM (Aberconwy). 47. Conwy County Borough Council stated their opposition to the three-member ward proposed by the Commission, and suggested a boundary change between the community ward of Rhos of the Community of Rhos-on-Sea and the community ward of Rhiw of the Community of Colwyn Bay. This would transfer 505 electors from the Rhiw ward to the Rhos ward and utilise the A55 as the new boundary. The Llandrillo yn Rhos electoral ward would remain a four- member ward and Rhiw electoral ward a three-member ward. 48. The Bay of Colwyn Community Council and Janel Finch-Saunders AM objected to the proposed reduction of one member from four to three members for this electoral ward. They both stated their preference for the existing electoral ward to remain unchanged. 49. The Commission recommends the new boundary of the Rhos ward, as described in paragraph 47 and illustrated on page 21 is used to form an electoral ward of 6,501 electors which, if represented by four councillors, would result in a level of representation equal to the recommended county average. 50. The Commission noted the existing arrangements and felt that the recommended boundary change ensures levels of variance which are more appropriate, as well as utilising easily identifiable boundaries in the area. This change is more sustainable for the long term than the existing arrangements for the area. The boundary change is within the Bay of Colwyn Community Council and there will not be a change to precepts for the area. The Commission also notes that the proposed electoral ward has four-members. The Commission does acknowledge that whilst its preference is for multi-member wards to be no more than three members, the support from the representations for a four-member electoral ward in this area is justified. 51. The Commission proposed the single name of Llandrillo-yn-Rhos in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the proposed name. The Commission received no representations regarding the name. 52. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Llandrillo-yn- Rhos. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government.

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53. As a consequence, the Commission recommends the new boundary of the Rhiw ward, as described in paragraph 47 and illustrated on page 22 is used to form an electoral ward of 4,433 electors which, if represented by three councillors, would result in a level of representation 9% below the recommended county average. 54. The Commission noted the existing arrangements and felt that the recommended boundary change ensures levels of variance which are more appropriate, as well as utilising easily identifiably boundaries in the area. This change is more sustainable for the long term than the existing arrangements for the area. The boundary change is within the Bay of Colwyn Community Council and there will not be a change to precepts for the area. 55. The Commission proposed the single name of Rhiw in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the recommended name. The Commission received no representations regarding the name. 56. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Rhiw. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 57. The Commission considers that these recommendations would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government. 58. The Commission has also recommended changes to the community boundaries for the Communities of Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on Sea and the community wards of Rhiw and Rhos, which can be seen at Chapter 7.

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Gele, Llanddulas and Llysfaen 59. The existing Gele electoral ward is composed of the Gele and St. George wards of the Town of Abergele. It has 3,776 electors (4,260 projected electors) represented by three councillors which is 23% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 4,704 eligible electors. 60. The existing Llanddulas electoral ward is comprised of the Community of Llanddulas and Rhyd- y-foel. It has 1,327 electors (1,447 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 18% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,628 eligible electors. 61. The existing Llysfaen electoral ward is comprised of the Community of Llysfaen. It has 1,905 electors (2,221 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 17% above the proposed county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,571 eligible electors. 62. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed that the existing electoral ward of Gele is reduced by one councillor to a two-member ward. The Commission also proposed to combine the Communities of Llanddulas and Rhyd-y-foel and Llysfaen to form a two-member electoral ward. 63. The Commission received five representations regarding this area in response to its Draft Proposals from: Conwy County Borough Council, Abergele Town Council, Llysfaen Community Council, Janet Finch-Saunders AM (Aberconwy) and Councillor P. Capper (Llysfaen). 64. Conwy County Borough Council suggested that the existing electoral wards of Gele and Llanddulas be combined to form a new three-member ward. They stated that the existing Llysfaen electoral ward should remain unchanged. They highlighted the historical links between Gele and Llanddulas and the improvement in electoral parity. 65. Abergele Town Council stated that they felt that insufficient consideration had been given to the projected electorate figures for the existing electoral ward of Gele. They felt that the projected figures provided by Conwy County Borough Council did not reflect the extra housing due to be built in the area. 66. Llysfaen Community Council and Councillor Capper stated their objection to the Commission’s Draft Proposal and their preference that Llysfaen remain unchanged. They both highlighted the lack of historical links with Llanddulas and stated that Llanddulas had geographical and historical links with Abergele. 67. Janet Finch-Saunders AM stated her support for the Commission’s Draft Proposals due to the improvement in electoral variance in Llanddulas and Llysfaen and the reduction of a member in the existing electoral ward of Gele. 68. The Commission recommends that the Community of Llanddulas and Rhyd-y-foel and the Gele and St. George wards of the Town of Abergele are combined to form an electoral ward of 5,103 electors (5,707 projected electors), which, if represented by three councillors, would result in a level of representation 5% above the recommended county average. 69. The Commission notes that the recommended ward proposed by Conwy County Borough Council satisfies the representations from Llysfaen Community Council and Councillor Capper and utilises clearly identifiable boundaries whilst providing an appropriate level of electoral

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parity. This recommendation allows for the existing arrangements for the electoral ward of Llysfaen to be retained. 70. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh Language name of Gele a Llanddulas and the English Language name of Gele and Llanddulas. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the recommended name. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 71. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Abergele Pensarn and Pentre Mawr 72. The existing Abergele Pensarn electoral ward is comprised of the Pensarn ward of the Town of Abergele. It has 1,938 electors (2,090 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 19% above the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,577 eligible electors. 73. The existing Pentre Mawr electoral ward is comprised of the Pentre Mawr ward of the Town of Abergele. It has 2,750 electors (3,027 projected electors) represented by two councillors which is 15% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 3,503 eligible electors. 74. In its Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the wards of Pensarn and Pentre Mawr of the Town of Abergele to form an electoral ward with three members. 75. The Commission received three representations regarding this area in response to its Draft Proposals from: Conwy County Borough Council, Abergele Town Council and Janet Finch- Saunders AM (Aberconwy). 76. Conwy County Borough Council stated their opposition to the three-member ward proposed by the Commission, and suggested a boundary change between the wards of Pensarn and Pentre Mawr of the Town of Abergele. This would transfer 166 electors from the Pensarn ward to the Pentre Mawr ward. The Pensarn electoral ward would remain a two-member ward and Pentre Mawr electoral ward a single-member ward. 77. Janet Finch-Saunders AM stated her support for the Draft Proposals, due to the improvement in electoral parity that it would give the residents of Pensarn. Abergele Town Council agreed in principle to the proposed merger but highlighted their concerns that merging Pentre Mawr with Pensarn would have a detrimental effect on the Welsh language in the area 78. The Commission recommends that the Pensarn and Pentre Mawr ward of the Town of Abergele are combined to form an electoral ward of 4,688 electors (5,117 projected electors) which, if represented by three councillors, would result in a level of representation 4% below the recommended county average. 79. The Commission felt that the proposed change from Conwy County Borough Council did not provide for an easily identifiable boundary. The transport links for the area to be transferred from Pensarn to Pentre Mawr were, in the view of the Commission, unsatisfactory. 80. The Commission proposed the single name of Pensarn Pentre Mawr in its Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner proposed the name of Pen-sarn Pentremawr as it is the recommended form in the Rhestr o Enwau Lleoedd/A Gazetteer of Welsh Place Names (University of Wales Press, 1967), with the inclusion of a hyphen to aid the correct pronunciation of the Welsh place-name. The Commission received no representations regarding the proposed name. 81. The Commission recommends the single name of Pensarn Pentre Mawr. The Commission recommends the name as it is the names of the community wards that form the recommended electoral ward. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 82. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Cwrst, Eglwysbach and Gower 83. The existing Cwrst electoral ward is comprised of the Cwrst ward of the Town of Llanrwst. It has 1,559 electors (1,633 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 4% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,067 eligible electors. 84. The existing Eglwysbach electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Eglwysbach and Llanddoged and Maenan. It has 1,212 electors (1,242 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 25% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,500 eligible electors. 85. The existing Gower electoral ward is comprised of the Gower ward of the Town of Llanrwst. It has 867 electors (882 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 47% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,183 eligible electors. 86. In the Draft Proposals, the Commission proposed to combine the wards of Cwrst and Gower of the Town of Llanrwst with the Community of Llanddoged and Maenan to form a two- member electoral ward. 87. The Commission received three representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: Conwy County Borough Council, Llanrwst Town Council and Janet Finch- Saunders AM (Aberconwy). Conwy County Borough Council and Janet Finch-Saunders AM stated their support for the proposals due to the social links that exist between the two areas whilst highlighting their concerns of combining an urban area with a rural one. Llanrwst Town Council made no comments regarding the geography of the wards and suggested a name for the proposed electoral ward. 88. The Commission recommends combining the wards of Cwrst and Gower of the Town of Llanrwst with the Community of Llanddoged and Maenan to form an electoral ward of 2,921 electors (3,015 projected electors). This proposed ward if represented by two councillors would result in a level of representation 10% below the recommended county average. 89. The existing Gower ward is the most over-represented electoral ward in Conwy. In creating the multi-member ward of Llanrwst with Llanddoged the Commission acknowledges the recommendation combines urban and rural communities. However, the Commission believes this recommendation is appropriate due to effective communication links and shared geographies across the two areas, resulting in an electoral ward with appropriate levels of electoral variance. 90. The Commission proposed the Welsh language name of Llanrwst gyda Llanddoged; and the English language name of Llanrwst with Llanddoged in the Draft Proposals. The Welsh Language Commissioner proposed the Commission considers adopting the Welsh language name Llanrwst gyda Llanddoged for both languages as the only difference between them is the conjunction. 91. The Commission received two representation with regards to the name in response to the Draft Proposals from Conwy County Borough Council and Llanrwst Town Council. Conwy County Borough Council proposed that the new electoral ward be named Llanrwst, Llanddoged and Maenan. Llanrwst Town Council proposed that the new electoral ward be named Llanrwst a Llanddoged.

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92. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Llanrwst a Llanddoged as suggested by Llanrwst Town Council. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the recommended name. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 93. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Llangernyw and Uwchaled 94. The existing Llangernyw electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llangernyw and Pentrefoelas. It has 1,124 electors (1,147 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 31% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,412 eligible electors. 95. The existing Uwchaled electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Cerrigydrudion, Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr and Llangwm. It has 1,138 electors (1,160 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 30% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,404 eligible electors. 96. In the Draft Proposals, the Commission proposed to combine the Communities of Cerrigydrudion, Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr, Llangwm and Pentrefoelas to form a single-member electoral ward. 97. The Commission received four representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: Conwy County Borough Council, Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr and Pentrefoelas Community Councils and Janet Finch-Saunders AM (Aberconwy). Conwy County Borough Council highlighted their concerns regarding the size of the proposed electoral ward in a rural area and the opposition from Llangernyw and Pentrefoelas Community Councils for the proposed change. 98. Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr and Pentrefoelas Community Council stated their support for the existing arrangements and their opposition to the proposed electoral ward. Pentrefoelas Community Council highlighted their concerns on the increased size of the proposed electoral ward and the reduction in the number of county councillors from rural areas in the council would have a detrimental effect on the Welsh language. Janet Finch-Saunders AM stated her support for the Commission’s proposal. 99. The Commission recommends combining the Communities of Cerrigydrudion, Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr, Llangwm and Pentrefoelas to form an electoral ward of 1,411 electors (1,444 projected electors). This proposed ward if represented by one councillor would result in a level of representation 13% below the recommended county average. 100. The Commission noted the high level of over-representation in the existing Uwchaled and Llangernyw electoral wards, compared to the recommended county average, and has therefore considered alternative arrangements for these areas. 101. The Commission notes Conwy County Borough Council’s and the other representations concerns regarding the increase of size of this electoral ward in a rural area and their preference that the existing arrangements remain. However, the Commission is of the view that both the current and projected statistics do not justify such an atypical level of variance. The Commission notes that there are other electoral wards of similar sizes in the county borough. 102. The Commission proposed the single name Uwch Aled in the Draft Proposals at the suggestion of the Welsh Language Commissioner. The Commission received no representations regarding the name of this ward. 103. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Uwch Aled. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government.

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104. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Eglwysbach and Llangernyw 105. The existing Eglwysbach electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Eglwysbach and Llanddoged and Maenan. It has 1,212 electors (1,242 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 25% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,500 eligible electors. 106. The existing Llangernyw electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Llangernyw and Pentrefoelas. It has 1,124 electors (1,147 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 31% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,412 eligible electors. 107. In the Draft Proposals, the Commission proposed to combine the Communities of Eglwysbach and Llangernyw to form a single-member electoral ward. 108. The Commission received three representations in response to the Draft Proposals regarding this area from: Conwy County Borough Council, Pentrefoelas Community Council and Janet Finch-Saunders AM. 109. Conwy County Borough Council highlighted their concerns regarding the size of the proposed electoral ward in a rural area and the opposition from Llangernyw and Pentrefoelas Community Councils to the proposed change. Pentrefoelas Community Council stated their support for the existing arrangements. They highlighted their concerns on the increased size of the proposed electoral ward and the reduction in the number of county councillors from rural areas in the council would have a detrimental effect on the Welsh language. 110. The Commission recommends combining the Communities of Eglwysbach and Llangernyw to form an electoral ward of 1,568 electors (1,605 projected electors). This proposed ward if represented by one councillor would result in a level of representation 3% below the recommended county average. 111. The Commission noted the high level of over-representation in the existing Eglwysbach and Llangernyw electoral wards, compared to the recommended county average. As a consequence of the proposed electoral ward of Llanrwst a Llanddoged (see page 29) and Uwch Aled (see page 32), the Llangernyw ward of the Community of Llangernyw and the Community of Eglwysbach need to be placed with further communities to provide appropriate levels of representation. The Commission considers that the recommended ward provides an appropriate level of electoral parity for the area. 112. The Commission recognised Conwy County Borough Council’s and the other representations concerns regarding the increase of size of this electoral ward in a rural area and their preference that the existing arrangements remain. However, the Commission is of the view that both the current and projected statistics do not justify such an atypical level of variance. The Commission notes that there are other electoral wards of similar sizes in the county borough. 113. The Commission proposed the single name Eglwys-bach a Llangernyw in the Draft Proposals at the suggestion of the Welsh Language Commissioner. The Welsh Language Commissioner suggested an inclusion of a hyphen to Eglwysbach to aid the correct pronunciation of the Welsh place-name. The Commission received two representation with regards to the name in response to the Draft Proposals from Conwy County Borough Council and Janet Finch- Saunders AM. The Council stated that the proposed electoral ward be named Eglwys Bach a

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Llangernyw for historical reasons. Ms Finch-Saunders AM suggested that the hypen be removed from Eglwys-bach in accordance with the spelling of the village Eglwysbach. 114. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Eglwys-bach a Llangernyw suggested by the Welsh Language Commissioner. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 115. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Betws-y-Coed, Caerhun and Trefriw 116. The existing Betws-y-Coed electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Betws-y-Coed, Capel Curig and Dolwyddelan. It has 939 electors (939 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 42% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,194 eligible electors. 117. The existing Trefriw electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Dolgarrog and Trefriw. It has 1,021 electors (1,064 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 37% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,277 eligible electors. 118. In the Draft Proposals the Commission proposed to combine the Communities of Betws-y- Coed, Capel Curig, Dolwyddelan, Dolgarrog, and Trefriw to form a single-member electoral ward. The Commission welcomed representations on the alternative proposal, to combine the Community of Dolgarrog with the existing electoral ward of Caerhun and to combine the Community of Trefriw with the existing electoral ward of Betws-y-Coed. 119. The Commission received three representations regarding this area in response to the Draft Proposals from: Conwy County Borough Council, Dolwyddelan Community Council and Janet Finch-Saunders AM (Aberconwy). Conwy County Borough Council and Janet Finch-Saunders AM stated support for the alternative proposal to combine the Community of Dolgarrog with the existing electoral ward of Caerhun and to combine the Community of Trefriw with the existing electoral ward of Betws-y-Coed. 120. Dolwyddelan Community Council objected to the proposed electoral ward and stated that their community had no links with the communities of Dolgarrog and Trefriw. The Community Council suggested that an electoral ward be formed from the communities of Caerhun, Capel Curig, Dolwyddelan and Trefriw and another formed from the communities Betws-y-Coed, Capel Garmon, Dolwyddelan, Penmachno and Pentrefoelas. 121. The Commission recommends combining the Communities of Betws-y-Coed, Capel Curig, Dolwyddelan and Trefriw to form an electoral ward of 1,618 electors (1,629 projected electors). This proposed ward if represented by one councillor would result in a level of representation equal to the recommended county average. 122. The Commission noted the high level of over representation in the existing Betws-y-Coed and Trefriw electoral wards, compared to the recommended county average. The Commission considers the recommended electoral ward to provide appropriate levels of electoral parity and satisfied the representations from Conwy County Borough Council and Janet Finch- Saunders AM. 123. The Commission did consider the suggestions from Dolwyddelan Community Council however, the consequential changes to the surrounding area would result in inappropriate levels of electoral parity. 124. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the Welsh language name of Betws-y-Coed a Threfriw and the English language single name of Betws-y-Coed and Trefriw. The Welsh Language Commissioner proposed the Welsh language name of Betws-y-coed a Threfriw; English language name of Betws-y-coed and Trefriw as recommended in the Rhestr o Enwau Lleoedd/A Gazetteer of Welsh Place Names (University of Wales Press, 1967), noting that it is not necessary to capitalise the ‘coed’ element in Betws-y-coed as it is not a personal

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noun. The Welsh Language Commissioner also proposed the Commission considers adopting the Welsh language name Betws-y-coed a Threfriw for both languages as the only difference between them is the conjunction. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 125. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Caerhun and Trefriw 126. The existing Caerhun electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Caerhun and Henrhyn. It has 1,611 electors (1,617 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 1% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 2,256 eligible electors. 127. The existing Trefriw electoral ward is composed of the Communities of Dolgarrog and Trefriw. It has 1,021 electors (1,064 projected electors) represented by one councillor which is 37]% below the recommended county average. The electoral ward has an estimated population of 1,277 eligible electors. 128. In the Draft Proposals, the Commission proposed to combine the Communities of Betws-y- Coed, Capel Curig, Dolwyddelan, Dolgarrog, and Trefriw to form a single-member electoral ward. The Commission welcomed representations on any alternative proposal, to combine the Community of Dolgarrog with the existing electoral ward of Caerhun and to combine the Community of Trefriw with the existing electoral ward of Betws-y-Coed. 129. The Commission received two representations regarding this area in response to the Draft Proposals, from Conwy County Borough Council and Janet Finch-Saunders AM (Aberconwy). Conwy County Borough Council and Janet Finch-Saunders AM stated support for the alternative proposal to combine the Community of Dolgarrog with the existing electoral ward of Caerhun and to combine the Community of Trefriw with the existing electoral ward of Betws-y-Coed. 130. The Commission noted the high level of over representation in the existing Trefriw electoral wards, compared to the recommended county average. As a consequence of the proposed electoral ward of Betws-y-Coed and Trefriw (see page 38) the Community of Dolgarrog needs to be placed with further communities to provide appropriate levels of representation 131. The Commission recommends combining the Communities of Caerhun, Dolgarrog and Henrhyn to form an electoral ward of 1,953 electors (1,991 projected electors). This proposed ward if represented by one councillor would result in a level of representation 20% above the recommended county average. 132. The Commission is of the view that the recommended electoral ward takes account of the representations from Conwy County Borough Council and Janet Finch-Saunders AM. The Commission notes that whilst the existing arrangement for Caerhun is appropriate however, the recommended change improves electoral parity in the neighbouring ward of Betws-y- Coed. 133. The Commission has given the recommended electoral ward the single name of Caerhun. The Welsh Language Commissioner agreed with the recommended name. Any comments on the recommended name can be sent to the Minister for Housing and Local Government. 134. The Commission considers that this recommendation would be desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Chapter 6. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ARRANGEMENTS 1. The existing electoral arrangements (as shown at Appendix 2) provide for the following levels of electoral representation within the County Borough: • Electoral variance ranges from 43% below the current county average (Gower) to 42% above the current county average (Pensarn) of 1,515 electors per councillor. • Nine electoral wards have a level of representation in excess of 25% above or below the current county average of 1,515 electors per councillor. • 12 electoral wards have a level of representation between 10% and 25% above or below the current county average of 1,515 electors per councillor. • 17 electoral wards have a level of representation less than 10% above or below the current county average of 1,515 electors per councillor. 2. In comparison with the existing electoral arrangements shown above, the recommended electoral arrangements (as shown in Appendix 3) illustrate the following improvements to the electoral representation across the County Borough: • Electoral variance ranges from 22% below the recommended county average (Uwch Conwy) to 20% above the recommended county average (Caerhun) of 1,625 electors per councillor. • 15 electoral wards have a level of representation between 10% and 25% above or below the recommended county average of 1,625 electors per councillor. • 15 electoral wards have a level of representation less than 10% above or below the recommended county average of 1,625 electors per councillor. 3. As described in Chapter 4 and Appendix 4, in producing a scheme of electoral arrangements we must have regard to a number of issues contained in the legislation. It is not always possible to resolve all of these, sometimes conflicting issues. In the Commission’s recommended scheme we have placed emphasis on achieving improvements in electoral parity whilst maintaining community ties wherever possible. The Commission recognises that the creation of electoral wards which depart from the pattern which now exists would inevitably bring some disruption to existing ties between communities and may straddle community council areas. The Commission has made every effort to ensure that the revised electoral wards do reflect logical combinations of existing communities and community wards. 4. The Commission has looked at each area and is satisfied that it would be difficult to achieve electoral arrangements that keep the existing combination of communities and community wards without having a detrimental effect on one or more of the other issues that it must consider.

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Chapter 7. CONSEQUENTIAL ARRANGEMENTS 1. In considering the changes to electoral wards where the Commission has recommended boundary changes, it has also been necessary to consider the consequence of these changes to the boundaries and electoral arrangements of the community and town councils. This section of the report details the Commission’s recommendations for such consequential changes. The electoral statistics used in this section were also provided by Conwy County Borough Council. Community and Community Ward Boundaries 2. There is one change to electoral wards where, as a consequence the Commission must consider the underlying community and community ward arrangements. The recommended changes to community and community ward boundaries are as follows: Bay of Colwyn 3. The recommended electoral ward of Llandrillo-yn-Rhos is recommended to have the same consequential change to the community ward boundaries of Rhos, as illustrated on the map at page 21. 4. The recommended electoral ward of Rhiw is recommended to have the same consequential change to the community ward boundaries of Rhiw, as illustrated on the map at page 22. 5. The change between the recommended electoral wards of Llandrlllo-yn-Rhos and Rhiw is recommended to have the same consequential change to the community boundaries of Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea, and the community ward boundaries of Rhiw and Rhos, as illustrated on the maps at pages 21 and 22. Community Council Electoral Arrangements 6. The Commission is required to consider the consequential changes to the community electoral arrangements that would occur following the recommendations detailed above. 7. The Commission considered the changes and recommends no change to the electoral arrangements for Bay of Colwyn Community Council, both wards should continue to be represented by five members. 8. The Commission is satisfied that these recommended changes are appropriate and are in the interests of effective and convenient local government.

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Chapter 8. RESPONSES TO THIS REPORT 1. Having completed the review of the County Borough of Conwy and submitted the Commission’s recommendations to the Welsh Government on the future electoral arrangements for the principal authority, the Commission has fulfilled its statutory obligations under the Act. 2. It now falls to the Welsh Government, if it thinks fit, to give effect to these recommendations either as submitted, or with modifications. The Welsh Government may also direct us to conduct a further review. 3. Any further representations concerning the matters in this report should be addressed to the Welsh Government. They should be made as soon as possible and, in any event, not later than six weeks from the date the Commission’s recommendations are submitted to the Welsh Government. Representations should be addressed to:

Local Government Democracy Team Democracy, Diversity and Remuneration Division Welsh Government Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NQ

Or by email to:

[email protected]

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Chapter 9. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1. The Commission wishes to express its gratitude to the principal council, all the community councils and other interested bodies and persons who made representations to us during the course of developing these final recommendations. We, the undersigned, commend this recommendations report.

OWEN WATKIN OBE DL (Chair)

CERI STRADLING (Deputy Chair)

DAVID POWELL (Member)

JULIE MAY (Member)

THEODORE JOLOZA (Member)

SHEREEN WILLIAMS (Chief Executive)

May 2019

Page 46 APPENDIX 1

APPENDIX 1 – GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Commission The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales.

Community (area) The unit of local government that lies below the level of the Principal Council.

Community Council An elected council that provides services to their particular community area. A Community Council may be divided for community electoral purposes into community wards.

Community / Town An area within a Community Council created for community electoral ward purposes.

Directions Directions issued by Welsh Ministers under Section 48 of the Act.

Electoral wards The areas into which Principal Councils are divided for the purpose of electing county councillors, previously referred to as electoral divisions. Electoral review A review in which the Commission considers the electoral arrangements for a Principal Council.

Electoral variance How far the number of electors per councillor in a ward varies from the county average; expressed as a percentage.

Electorate The number of persons registered to vote in a local government area.

Estimated The estimated number of eligible persons (18+) within a local Population of government area who are eligible to vote. These figures have been Eligible Voters sourced from the Office of National Statistics’ 2015 Ward population estimated for Wales, mid-2015 (experimental statistics).

Interested party Person or body who has an interest in the outcome of an electoral review such as a community or town council, local MP or AM or political party.

Order Order made by an implementing body, giving effect to proposals made by the Principal Council or the Commission.

Over- Where there are fewer electors per councillor in a ward compared to representation the county average.

Principal area The area governed by a Principal Council: in Wales a county or county borough.

1 APPENDIX 1

Principal council The single tier organ of local government, responsible for all or almost all local government functions within its area. A county or county borough council.

Projected The five-year forecast of the electorate. electorate

Split Community A Community which is divided between two, or more, Electoral Wards.

The Act The Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013.

Town Council A Community Council with the status of a town are known as Town Councils. A Town Council may be divided for community electoral purposes into wards.

Under- Where there are more electors per councillor in a ward compared to representation the county average.

2 CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL EXISITING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP APPENDIX 2 % variance % variance Population No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 from ELECTORATE 2022 from No. NAME DESCRIPTION Eligible to COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO County 2022 RATIO County Vote average average

1 Abergele Pensarn The Pensarn (Abergele) Ward of the Town of Abergele 1 1,938 1,938 28% 2,090 2,090 32% 2,577

The Communities of Betws yn Rhos 818 (1,096) and Llanfair 2 Betws yn Rhos 1 1,630 1,630 8% 1,918 1,918 21% 2,115 Talhaiarn 812 (822) The Communities of Betws-y-Coed 409 (409), Capel Curig 166 3 Betws-y-Coed 1 939 939 -38% 939 939 -41% 1,194 (166) and Dolwyddelan 364 (364) The Bryn 794 (850) and Lafan Wards 553 (610) of the Town of 4 Bryn 1 1,347 1,347 -11% 1,460 1,460 -8% 1,827 Llanfairfechan The Communities of Caerhun 1,025 (1,027) and Henrhyn 586 5 Caerhun 1 1,611 1,611 6% 1,617 1,617 2% 2,256 (590) 6 Capelulo The Capelulo Ward of the Community Penmaenmawr 1 1,165 1,165 -23% 1,255 1,255 -21% 1,274 7 Colwyn The Colwyn Ward of the Community of Old Colwyn 2 3,281 1,641 8% 3,372 1,686 6% 4,104 The Aberconwy 1,346 (1,354) and the Castle Wards 1,873 8 Conwy 2 3,219 1,610 6% 3,313 1,657 4% 5,445 (1,959) of the Town of Conwy 9 Craig-y-Don The Craig-y-Don Ward of the Town of Llandudno 2 2,763 1,382 -9% 2,817 1,409 -11% 3,506 10 Crwst The Crwst Ward of the Town of Llanrwst 1 1,559 1,559 3% 1,633 1,633 3% 2,067 11 Deganwy The Deganwy Ward of the Town of Conwy 2 3,242 1,621 7% 3,277 1,639 3% 5,142 The Communities of Eglwysbach 717 (742) and Llanddoged & 12 Eglwysbach 1 1,212 1,212 -20% 1,242 1,242 -22% 1,500 Maenan 495 (500) 13 Eirias The Eirias Ward of the Community of Old Colwyn 2 2,715 1,358 -10.4% 2,737 1,369 -14% 3,027 The Gele 3,545 (4,029) and the St George Wards 231 (231) of 14 Gele 3 3,776 1,259 -17% 4,260 1,420 -11% 4,704 the Town of Abergele 15 Glyn The Glyn Ward of the Community of Colwyn Bay 2 2,985 1,493 -1% 3,206 1,603 1% 4,058 16 Gogarth The Gogarth Ward of the Town of Llandudno 2 2,910 1,455 -4% 2,995 1,498 -6% 3,526 17 Gower The Gower Ward of the Town of Llanrwst 1 867 867 -43% 882 882 -44% 1,183 18 Kinmel Bay The Kinmel Bay Ward of the Town of Kinmel Bay and Towyn 3 4,567 1,522 1% 4,589 1,530 -4% 6,064 19 Llanddulas The Community of Llanddulas and Rhyd-y-foel 1 1,327 1,327 -12% 1,447 1,447 -9% 1,628 20 Llandrillo yn Rhos The Community of Rhos-on-Sea 4 5,996 1,499 -1% 6,227 1,557 -2% 7,599 The Communities of Llangernyw 851 (863) and Pentrefoelas 21 Llangernyw 1 1,124 1,124 -26% 1,147 1,147 -28% 1,412 273 (284) 22 Llansanffraid The Community of Llansainffraid Glan Conwy 1 1,816 1,816 20% 1,973 1,973 24% 2,229 The Communities of Llansannan 1,041 (1,105) and Llannefydd 23 Llansannan 1 1,489 1,489 -2% 1,555 1,555 -2% 1,909 448 (450) 24 Llysfaen The Community of Llysfaen 1 1,905 1,905 26% 2,221 2,221 40% 2,571 25 Marl The Marl Ward of the Town of Conwy 2 3,559 1,780 17% 3,675 1,838 16% 4,491 26 Mochdre The Community of Mochdre 1 1,468 1,468 -3% 1,476 1,476 -7% 1,979 27 Mostyn The Mostyn Ward of the Town of Llandudno 2 2,769 1,385 -9% 2,821 1,411 -11% 3,396 28 Pandy The Pandy Ward of the Town of Llanfairfechan 1 1,449 1,449 -4% 1,523 1,523 -4% 1,864 The Pant-yr-Afon 1,594 (1,634) and the Penmaenan Wards 29 Pant-yr-Afon/Penmaenan 1 2,126 2,126 40% 2,175 2,175 37% 2,587 532 (541) of the Town of Penmaenmawr 30 Penrhyn The Penrhyn Ward of the Town of Llandudno 2 3,856 1,928 27% 3,919 1,960 23% 4,772 CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL EXISITING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

% variance % variance Population No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 from ELECTORATE 2022 from No. NAME DESCRIPTION Eligible to COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO County 2022 RATIO County Vote average average

31 Pensarn The Pensarn Ward of the Town of Conwy 1 2,149 2,149 42% 2,364 2,364 49% 2,772 32 Pentre Mawr The Pentre Mawr Ward of the Town of Abergele 2 2,750 1,375 -9% 3,027 1,514 -5% 3,503 33 Rhiw The Rhiw Ward of the Community of Colwyn Bay 3 4,938 1,646 9% 5,434 1,811 14% 6,587 34 Towyn The Towyn Ward of the Town of Kinmel Bay and Towyn 1 1,844 1,844 22% 1,854 1,854 17% 2,359 35 Trefriw The Communities of Dolgarrog 342 (374) and Trefriw 679 (690) 1 1,021 1,021 -33% 1,064 1,064 -33% 1,277 36 Tudno The Tudno Ward of the Town of Llandudno 2 3,649 1,825 20% 3,717 1,859 17% 4,838 The Communities of Bro Garmon 562 (562), Bro Machno 537 37 Uwch Conwy 1 1,260 1,260 -17% 1,260 1,260 -21% 1,472 (537) and Ysbyty Ifan 161 (161) The Communities of Cerrigydrudion 563 (573), Llanfihangel 38 Uwchaled 1 1,138 1,138 -25% 1,160 1,160 -27% 1,404 Glyn Myfyr 162 (167) and Llangwm 413 (420) TOTAL: 59 89,359 1,515 93,641 1,587 116,218 Ratio is the number of electors per councillor Electoral figures supplied by Conwy Borough County Council Population figures supplied by the Office for National Statistics

2017 2022 Greater than + or - 50% of County average 0 0% 0 0% Between + or - 25% and + or - 50% of County average 9 24% 9 24% Between + or - 10% and + or - 25% of County average 12 32% 14 37% Between 0% and + or - 10% of County average 17 45% 15 39% APPENDIX 2

CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL FINAL RECOMMENDED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP APPENDIX 3 % variance % variance No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 ELECTORATE 2022 from No. NAME DESCRIPTION from County COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO 2022 RATIO County average average

The Communities of Betws yn Rhos 818 (1,096) and Llanfair 1 Betws yn Rhos 1 1,630 1,630 0% 1,918 1,918 13% Talhaiarn 812 (822) The Communities of Betws y Coed 409 (409), Capel Curig 166 2 Betws-y-Coed and Trefriw 1 1,618 1,618 0% 1,629 1,629 -4% (166), Dolwyddelan 364 (364) and Trefriw 679 (690) The Bryn 794 (850) and Lafan Wards 553 (610) of the Town of 3 Bryn 1 1,347 1,347 -17% 1,460 1,460 -14% Llanfairfechan The Communities of Caerhun 1,025 (1,027) Dolgarrog 342 4 Caerhun 1 1,953 1,953 20% 1,991 1,991 17% (374),and Henrhyn 586 (590) 5 Colwyn The Colwyn Ward of the Community of Old Colwyn 2 3,281 1,641 1% 3,372 1,686 -1% The Aberconwy 1,346 (1,354) and the Castell Wards 1,873 6 Conwy 2 3,219 1,610 -1% 3,313 1,657 -3% (1,959) of the Town of Conwy 7 Craig-y-Don The Craig-y-Don Ward of the Town of Llandudno 2 2,763 1,382 -15% 2,817 1,409 -17% 8 Deganwy The Deganwy Ward of the Town of Conwy 2 3,242 1,621 0% 3,277 1,639 -4% The Communities of Eglwysbach 717 (742) and Llangernyw 851 9 Eglwys-bach a Llangernyw 1 1,568 1,568 -3% 1,605 1,605 -6% (863) 10 Eirias The Eirias Ward of the Community of Old Colwyn 2 2,715 1,358 -16% 2,737 1,369 -20% The Gele 3,545 (4,029) and the St George Wards 231 (231) of 11 Gele and Llanddulas the Town of Abergele and the Community of Llanddulas and Rhyd- 3 5,103 1,701 5% 5,707 1,902 12% y-foel 1,327 (1,447) 12 Glyn The Glyn Ward of the Community of Colwyn Bay 2 2,985 1,493 -8% 3,206 1,603 -6% The Marl 3,559 (3,675) and the Pensarn Wards 2,149 (2,364) of 13 Glyn y Marl 3 5,708 1,903 17% 6,039 2,013 18% the Town of Conwy The Gogarth 2,910 (2,995) and the Mostyn Wards 2,769 (2,821) 14 Gogarth Mostyn 3 5,679 1,893 17% 5,816 1,939 14% of the Town of Llandudno 15 Kinmel Bay The Kinmel Bay Ward of the Town of Kinmel Bay and Towyn 3 4,567 1,522 -6% 4,589 1,530 -10% 16 Llandrillo-yn-Rhos The Community of Rhos-on-Sea 4 6,501 1,625 0% 6,732 1,683 -1% The Town of Llanrwst 2,426 (2,515) and the Community of 17 Llanrwst a Llanddoged 2 2,921 1,461 -10% 3,015 1,508 -11% Llanddoged & Maenan 495 (500) 18 Llansanffraid The Community of Llansainfraid Glan Conwy 1 1,816 1,816 12% 1,973 1,973 16% The Communities of Llansannan 1,041 (1,105) and Llannefydd 19 Llansannan 1 1,489 1,489 -8% 1,555 1,555 -9% 448 (450) 20 Llysfaen The Community Llysfaen 1,905 (2,221) 1 1,905 1,905 17% 2,221 2,221 30% 21 Mochdre The Community of Mochdre 1 1,468 1,468 -10% 1,476 1,476 -13% 22 Pandy The Pandy Ward of the Town of Llanfairfechan 1 1,449 1,449 -11% 1,523 1,523 -11% 23 Penmaenmawr Town of Penmaenmawr 2 3,291 1,646 1% 3,430 1,715 1% 24 Penrhyn The Penrhyn Ward of the Town of Llandudno 2 3,856 1,928 19% 3,919 1,960 15% The Pensarn (Abergele) 1,938 (2,090) and the Pentre Mawr 25 Pensarn Pentre Mawr 3 4,688 1,563 -4% 5,117 1,706 0% Wards 2,750 (3,027) of the Town of Abergele 26 Rhiw The Rhiw Ward of the Community of Colwyn Bay 3 4,433 1,478 -9% 4,929 1,643 -3% 27 Towyn The Towyn Ward of the Town of Kinmel Bay & Towyn 1 1,844 1,844 13% 1,854 1,854 9% 28 Tudno The Tudno Ward of the Town of Llandudno 2 3,649 1,825 12% 3,717 1,859 9% CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL FINAL RECOMMENDED COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

% variance % variance No. OF ELECTORATE 2017 ELECTORATE 2022 from No. NAME DESCRIPTION from County COUNCILLORS 2017 RATIO 2022 RATIO County average average

The Communities of Cerrigydrudion 563 (573), Llanfihangel Glyn 29 Uwch Aled 1 1,411 1,411 -13% 1,444 1,444 -15% Myfyr 162 (167), Llangwm 413 (420) and Pentrefoelas 273 (284)

The Communities of Bro Garmon 562 (562), Bro Machno 537 30 Uwch Conwy 1 1,260 1,260 -22% 1,260 1,260 -26% (537) and Ysbyty Ifan 161 (161) TOTAL: 55 89,359 1,625 93,641 1,703 Ratio is the number of electors per councillor Electoral figures supplied by Conwy Borough County Council

2017 2022 Greater than + or - 50% of County average 0 0% 0 0% Between + or - 25% and + or - 50% of County average 0 0% 2 7% Between + or - 10% and + or - 25% of County average 15 50% 15 50% Between 0% and + or - 10% of County average 15 50% 13 43% APPENDIX 3

APPENDIX 4

RULES AND PROCEDURES

Scope and Object of the Review

1. Section 29 (1) of the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 (the Act) lays upon the Commission the duty, at least once in every review period of ten years, to review the electoral arrangements for every principal area in Wales for the purpose of considering whether or not to make proposals to the Welsh Government for a change in those electoral arrangements. In conducting a review the Commission must seek to ensure effective and convenient local government (Section 21 (3) of the Act).

2. The former Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government of the Welsh Government has asked the Commission to submit a report in respect of the review of electoral arrangements for the County Borough of Conwy before the 2022 local government elections.

Electoral Arrangements

3. The changes that the Commission may recommend in relation to an electoral review are:

a. such changes to the arrangements for the principal area under review as appear to it appropriate; and

b. in consequence of such changes:

i. Such community boundary changes as it considers appropriate in relation to any community in the principal area;

ii. Such community council changes and changes to the electoral arrangements for such a community as it considers appropriate; and

iii. Such preserved county changes as it considers appropriate.

4. The “electoral arrangements” of a principal area are defined in section 29 (9) of the Act as:

a. the number of members for the council for the principal area;

b. the number, type and boundaries of the electoral wards;

c. the number of members to be elected for any electoral ward in the principal area; and

d. the name of any electoral ward.

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Considerations for a review of principal area electoral arrangements

5. Section 30 of the Act requires the Commission, in considering whether to make recommendations for changes to the electoral arrangements for a principal area, to:

a. seek to ensure that the ratio of local government electors to the number of members of the council to be elected is, as nearly as may be, the same in every electoral ward of the principal area;

b. have regard to:

i. the desirability of fixing boundaries for electoral wards which are and will remain easily identifiable;

ii. the desirability of not breaking local ties when fixing boundaries for electoral wards.

6. In considering the ratio of local government electors to the number of members account is to be taken of:

a. any discrepancy between the number of local government electors and the number of persons that are eligible to be local government electors (as indicated by relevant official statistics); and

b. any change to the number or distribution of local government electors in the principal area which is likely to take place in the period of five years immediately following the making of any recommendation.

Local government changes

7. Since the last local government Order in 1998 there has been nine changes to local government boundaries in Conwy:

• The Conwy (Llandudno and Conwy) Order 2009

8. There have also been 23 changes to the composition to a number of Community and Town Councils across the County Borough, enacted in 2015 by Orders from the County Borough Council.

Procedure

9. Chapter 4 of the Act lays down procedural guidelines which are to be followed in carrying out a review. In compliance with this part of the Act, we wrote on 25 May 2017 to Conwy County Borough Council, all the Community and Town Councils in the area, the Members of Parliament for the local constituencies, the Assembly Members for the area, and other interested parties to inform them of the

2 APPENDIX 4

Commission’s intention to conduct the review and to request their preliminary views. The Commission invited the County Borough Council to submit a suggested scheme or schemes for new electoral arrangements. The Commission also asked Conwy County Borough Council to display a number of public notices in their area. The Commission also made available copies of our Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice document. In addition the Commission made a presentation to both County Borough and Community Councillors explaining the review process. The initial consultation period closed on 25 August 2017.

10. In line with Section 35 of Chapter 4 of the Act, the Commission published its Draft Proposals Report on 28 March 2018, notifying the listed mandatory consultees and other interested parties of a period of consultation on the draft proposals would commence on 3 April 2018 and end on 25 June 2018. The Commission met with Conwy County Borough Council Group Leaders and Chief Executive to discuss the Draft Proposals and the process of developing the Final Recommendations. The Commission invited the County Council and other interested parties to submit comments on the Draft Proposals and how they could be improved. The Commission also asked Conwy County Borough Council to display copies of the report alongside public notices in the area.

11. The boundaries of the proposed electoral wards are shown by continuous blue lines on the map placed on deposit with this Report at the Offices of Conwy County Borough Council and the Office of the Commission in Cardiff as well as on the Commission’s website (http://ldbc.gov.wales).

Policy and Practice

12. The Commission published its Electoral Reviews: Policy and Practice document in November 2016. This document details its approach to resolving the challenge of balancing electoral parity and community ties; it sets out the issues to be considered and gives some understanding of the broad approach which the Commission takes towards each of the statutory considerations to be made when addressing a review’s particular circumstances. However, because those circumstances are unlikely to provide for the ideal electoral pattern, in most reviews compromises are made in applying the policies in order to strike the right balance between each of the matters we must consider.

13. The document also provides the overall programme timetable, and how this was identified, and the Commission’s Council Size Policy. The document can be viewed on the Commission’s website or are available on request.

Crown Copyright

14. The maps included in this report and published on the Commissions website were produced by the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales under licence from Ordnance Survey. These maps are subject to © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction will infringe Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Any newspaper editor wishing to use the maps as part of an article about the draft proposals should first contact the copyright office at Ordnance Survey.

3 APPENDIX 5

SUMMARY OF REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED FOR THE COMMISSIONS DRAFT CONSULTATION ON THE REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS IN THE COUNTY BOROUGH OF CONWY

1. Conwy County Borough Council emailed on 15 June 2018 outlining the Council’s concerns with the Commission’s approach to the review. Below is the email sent to the Commission expressing the Council’s view.

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2. Abergele Town Council emailed on the 16 May 2018 to state that the they agree in principle to the proposed merger of Pensarn ward with the Pentre Mawr ward but have concerns that the predominantly English speaking Pensarn ward will have a detrimental effect on the Welsh language on the area. They also raised concerns regarding the proposed reduction in county borough councillors in the Gele electoral ward that insufficient consideration had been given to the projected electors figure. They highlighted that the figures used did not reflect the extra housing due to be built from windfall sites in the ward.

3. Bay of Colwyn Town Council wrote on the 18 June 2018 to state their strong objection to the proposed reduction in county borough councillors for the electoral ward of Llandrillo-yn-Rhos. They stated that this proposal would result in the highest level of under-representation in the county for this ward. They highlighted that whilst Llandrillo-yn Rhos is densely populated it has one of the highest percentages of older residents in North Wales and the increase in workload this population causes the members for this ward.

4. Dolwyddelan Community Council emailed on the 5 June 2018 to state their objection to the proposed electoral ward of Betws y Coed and Trefriw. Their main reason was that the community of Dolwyddelan has no historical affinity with the communities of Dolgarrog and Trefriw. They stated that the community of Dolwyddelan belongs in the Uwch Conwy area. They also stated that the Commission places much importance on numbers in a ward and this is not always fair and can be considered nonsensical from a geographical consideration. They proposed the following electoral arrangements:

• The communities of Caerhun, Capel Curig, Dolgarrog and Trefriw combine to form an electoral ward. • The communities of Betws-y-Coed, Capel Garmon, Dolwyddelan, Penmachno and Pentrefoelas to combine to form an electoral ward as these areas have much more in common.

5. Llandudno Town Council wrote on the 4 May 2018 to propose the name of Gogarth for the proposed electoral ward composed of the wards of Gogarth and Mostyn of the Town of Llandudno. This is due to the name Mostyn is not exclusive to the ward of Mostyn and can be found in Tudno and Gogarth wards.

6. Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr Community Council emailed on the 27 May 2018 to state that they felt that the changes were was unfair to their community.

7. Llanrwst Town Council emailed on the 27 June 2018 to propose an alternative name for Llanrwst with Llanddoged. They supported a single Welsh language name but would prefer Llanrwst a Llanddoged in consistency with other proposed names in the Draft proposals.

8. Llysfaen Community Council wrote on the 25 June 2018 to strongly object with the proposal to combine the communities of Llysfaen and Llanddulas as Llysfaen has no previous history of amalgamation with Llanddulas. They did highlight that the community of Llanddulas and Rhyd y foel does have a geographical link with the Gele ward of the Town of Abergele. 8 APPENDIX 5

9. Pentrefoelas Community Council emailed on the 17 April 2018 to state that: • The county’s arrangements should remain as they are because larger wards would be ineffective and inconvenient due to the larger area to travel. • There is greater pressure of work for rural councillors due to size and the number of communities in their wards. They stated that the topography of the area creates the boundaries for the communities and highlighted the importance of rural areas represented at the County Council and a decrease in this would cause the Welsh language to suffer.

10. Trefriw Community Council emailed on the 25 June 2018 setting out their concerns with regard to changes to the community council. This review will not change communities or their councillors.

11. Janet Finch-Saunders AM (Aberconwy) emailed on the 20 June 2018 to express her views on the Draft Proposals Report for the Electoral Review of Conwy. She highlighted that the review programme had been delayed due to uncertainties in local government causing the programme to be suspended. She suggested that due to the current uncertainties to the proposed reforms by Welsh Government that the current electoral review of Conwy should be suspended.

Below are her comments on the proposed changes for each of the 11 electoral wards detailed in the Draft Proposals report:

• Capelulo and Pant-yr-Afon/Penmaenan - She agreed with the proposal due to the strong geographical and representation argument and highlighted the new electoral ward would be 1% below the proposed county average. She suggested an alternative name for the proposed ward as Dwygyfylchi & Penmaenmawr to recognise both communities in the wards name. • Gogarth and Mostyn – She objected to the proposed changes to these electoral wards as the levels of variance are not worse than others areas of the County that have remained unchanged. The example was the electoral ward of Bryn. • Marl and Pensarn – She agreed with the proposal due to the current level of under-representation in Pensarn and that both wards were within Conwy Town Council. • Llandrillo yn Rhos – She objected to the proposed reduction from four to three members as the change in electoral variance of 21% above the proposed county average creates an electoral ward with the highest level of under-representation in the county. • Llanddulas and Llysfaen – She agreed with the proposal due to the improvement in electoral parity that this would give the residents of Llysfaen. • Abergele Pensarn and Pentre Mawr – She agreed with the proposal due to the improvement in electoral parity for the residents of the Pensarn ward of the Town of Abergele. • Gele – She agreed with the proposal due to the level of over representation in this electoral ward. • Cwrst, Eglwysbach and Gower – She highlighted the need for change in this area due to the over- representation in the existing Gower electoral ward and stated her preference that the new electoral ward would have encompassed only Crwst and Gower within the Town of Llanrwst. However, after considering the levels of electoral parity in the southern rural electoral wards of the county and the good links between the Town of Llanrwst and the Communities of Llanddoged and Maenan she cautiously agreed with this proposal. • Llangernyw and Uwchaled – she agreed with the proposal due to the improvement in electoral parity and the good communication links within the area.

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• Eglwysbach and Llangernyw – She agreed with the proposal despite the fact that the proposed electoral ward would straddle two Assembly and Parliamentary constituencies. She stated her preference to keep the spelling of Eglwysbach without the hyphen as it is the way the village of that area is spelt and she felt that the addition of it did not aid pronunciation. • Betws-y-Coed and Trefriw – She objected to this proposal due to the size and the significant geographical barriers between the communities. She did agree with the alternative proposal to combine of the Community of Dolgarrog with the existing electoral ward of Caerhun and to combine the Community of Trefriw with the existing electoral ward of Betws-y-Coed

12. Councillor A McCaffrey (Capelulo) emailed on the 24 June 2018 to state that:

• The proposed change would create distinct disadvantage and inequality particularly to rural communities where their voice and representation will be significantly reduced. • The proposals took no account of community and historical ties and focused only on electoral parity. • The proposed County average for Conwy of 1,655 electors was unfair due to the rural nature of the county and that if the Draft proposals were implemented it would cause communities especially smaller ones to lose their identity when merged/swallowed up within larger urban wards.

She expressed her concerns in that disadvantage and inequality is aggravated by other conflicting policies currently implemented by Welsh Government. She highlighted that Planning Policy Wales severely restrict development within rural green belt areas therefore housing and employment development is concentrated within urban and coastal areas of Conwy. This results in fewer electors in the rural areas and therefore indirectly causes discrimination against theses area during the process of this review. It was also highlighted that the reduction of single member wards in the county contradicted the Commission’s view that in the first instance it is desirable that each electoral ward should return a single-member ward.

She questioned the timing and validity of this review due to the current debate on Local Government reform and the reduction in voting age for County Council Elections as the outcome of these issues would have a significant impact on this review. It was also highlighted that the impact of the review of the Conwy Local Development Plan (LDP) would impact upon the projected figures that the review is based on.

She stated that she did not support the Draft Proposal to delete “Capelulo Ward” from the Electoral Map of Conwy in 2022 as this would result in the loss not just of the community name and identity, which dates back to the 6th Century, but potentially the loss of the community view and dilution of representation of the needs of the people who live there. She highlighted the historic name of the area; the rural/ urban difference between Capelulo and Penmaenmawr; The Conwy LDP 2014 that reinforces the separation of Capelulo from Penmaenmawr, and the population figures from the Office for National Statistics used within the report do not take into consideration the housing development completed within Dwygyfylchi and the impact that will have on the current and future electorate of Capelulo.

She also stated that she does not support the Capelulo Ward being subsumed and merged into the proposed new named Penmaenmawr Ward. If the proposal was imposed on this community, the

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historic name of Capelulo should not be lost and the name of any merged ward should be Capelulo and Penmaenmawr.

13. Councillor P Capper (Llysfaen) emailed on the 24 June 2018 to highlight the following:

• The difference in geographical nature of the communities of Llanddulas and Rhyd-y-foel and Llysfaen that has resulted in limited social and economic links. • The historical and political ties that Llanddulas has had with Abergele. • The principle one member one ward gives better representation even with a disparity of electoral numbers given that within discrete communities everyone knows who represents them and where “the buck stops”. Thus, providing for incentive for diligent representation. • The projected figures for 2022 include a proposed housing development that been in development for many years and a developer has yet to be identified.

For the reasons above Cllr Capper concurred with the Councils response for Llysfaen that despite the theoretical future electorate imbalance that the existing electoral ward of Llysfaen should remain unchanged.

If the proposed change to combine the communities of Llysfaen and Llanddulas and Rhyd-y-foel are still to take place he suggested the name of Llysfaen a Llanddulas with Llysfaen taking the precedence as it is the larger community and has longer historical roots.

14. Councillor K Stevens (Pantyrafon/Penmaenan) emailed on the 18 June 2018 to state that he was disappointed at the Conwy County Borough Council’s decision to object to the proposed changes to Capelulo and Pant yr Afon/Penmaenan. He stated that combining the three communities made perfect sense due to the geography of the area and the links of Capelulo and Penmaenan to Pant yr Afon. He highlighted that regarding the naming of the proposed ward Capelulo is a small hamlet and there is also the town of Dwygyfylchi and the constituency of Penmaenan in the area. He stated that the name of the new ward should be Penmaenmawr as it is the largest constituency.

15. Two residents of Dwygyfylchi emailed on the 25 June 2018 to state their objection to the proposed combining of Capelulo, Pant-yr-Afon and Penmaenan wards into a two-member electoral ward. The residents highlighted the attention the efforts their councillor in fighting for local issues on the behalf of residents and their belief that would be greatly lessened by merging with Pant-yr-Afon and Penmaenan wards.

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WRITTEN STATEMENT BY THE WELSH GOVERNMENT

TITLE LOCAL ELECTIONS AND ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS

DATE Thursday 23rd JUNE 2016

MARK DRAKEFORD, CABINET SECRETARY FOR FINANCE AND BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The Local Authority Elections (Wales) Order 2014 provided for local elections in Wales to be delayed for a year, from May 2016 to May 2017. This allowed the elections to be separated from the Assembly elections.

At the present time, the Local Government Act 1972 provides that ordinary elections to local government in Wales take place on the first Thursday of May every four years. Therefore, the next local government elections would normally take place in May 2021. Since the implementation of the provisions of the Wales Act 2014, elections to the National Assembly take place on a five-yearly cycle. The policy of the Welsh Government is that elections at local level should also be placed on a five year cycle. It is intended that councillors elected next May will therefore hold office until May 2022.

The Wales Bill, currently before Parliament, includes provisions which would enable the Assembly to legislate to determine the term of office for local government. As the Bill is currently in draft form and should these provisions, for any reason, not come into force, the Welsh Government could use the same powers under the Local Government Act 2000 as we did in 2014 to delay the elections by a year. This statement therefore provides clarity to local government as to the length of office of those to be elected next year.

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In the light of this, I have considered the decision made last year in relation to the electoral arrangements of some principal councils. It was determined that reviews conducted by the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales in relation to nine principal areas would not be implemented, given the intention that councils elected in 2017 would only serve a short term prior to mergers.

However, even though the elections in May next year will now result in a full term, due to their proximity, the arrangements which would be required and the disruption for potential candidates, I do not intend to implement any changes to current electoral arrangements in advance of the 2017 elections resultant from those reviews. The councils concerned are Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Monmouthshire, Pembrokeshire, Powys and Torfaen.

The decision that councils will be elected for a full term also means that the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission (the Commission) will return to its normal ten-year cycle of reviews of electoral arrangements. I expect the Commission to publish a new, prioritised programme as soon as possible which takes into account the age of the current arrangements in some areas and the amount of change since the last review was undertaken. I will ask the Commission, in planning their work, to start by revisiting the nine outstanding reviews, with a view to presenting fresh reports on these at the very start of their programme.

It is my intention that reviews of electoral arrangements in principal councils will be conducted against a set of common criteria to be agreed through the Commission. I also expect electoral reviews to have been completed for all 22 authorities within the next local government term.

These arrangements provide clarity for those considering standing for election in 2017 and also set out a long term planning horizon for local authorities and their public service partners. However, I want to be clear that discussions on the reform agenda are on-going with local authorities and other stakeholders. I will be proposing a way forward on local government reform in the Autumn.

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